Rice rues missed chance after Falkirk lose to battling Saints

Published on Monday 8 December 2008 08:41

Falkirk 1 St Mirren 2 FALKIRK missed their chance to move into the top six of the SPL, losing out to a battling St Mirren side who were clearly fighting for their survival in the top division.

The result, Falkirk's first home defeat since mid-October, has dragged the Bairns back towards the edge of the relegation zone and assistant manager Brian Rice was clearly disappointed as he analysed his team's display in the aftermath of the game. "It was a poor performance," said the former Hibs midfielder.

"We had the chance to climb a few places in the league and we didn't take it.

"It was particularly disappointing after the way we played against Hibs last week and it's all down to the manner in which we started the game. We just didn't seem to get going until well into the first half. Our passing was poor and although we managed to get back into things after we had fallen behind, I don't honestly think we deserved to take anything from the game.

"Quite simply, we didn't play the way we're capable of doing and we'll just have to try to get things right when we play Aberdeen at Pittodrie next week."

Falkirk were under pressure after a poor start to the game and their cause wasn't helped by the straight red card shown by referee Dougie MacDonald to Jackie McNamara early in the second half for a challenge on Jim Hamilton. "I was too far away from the incident to make any kind of judgement on the decision," said Rice, "but I've spoken to Jackie and he feels it was harsh."

Saints took the lead just before half time when Hamilton drove the ball home after Robert Olejnik, selected in place of Scott Flinders, had parried a shot from former Bairn Jack Ross.

Kevin McBride struck the bar as the home side rallied and, even after being reduced to ten men following McNamara's dismissal, they managed to equalise through Steve Lovell.

However, Dennis Wyness secured victory for the Saints, the one time Hearts striker scoring from close range in the 72nd minute.